Uses of undefined

Trastuzumab Injection has been developed to treat solid tumors by injecting it as an intravenous infusion. Trastuzumab Injection has been approved to treat HER2 overexpressing breast cancer and stomach cancer (gastro-oesophageal Junction adenocarcinoma).

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

Trastuzumab is available as multi dose vial injections in the doses 150 mg and 440 mg. It is intended for intravenous infusion only and not for IV push or bolus.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

• Cardiomyopathy & cardiac dysfunction: Herceptin can cause heart problems, including heart failure, especially when combined with certain chemotherapy drugs.
• Infusion reactions: Patients may experience serious reactions like difficulty breathing and low blood pressure during or shortly after the infusion.
• Embryo-fetal toxicity: Herceptin can harm the fetus and cause birth defects, so pregnant women should avoid using it.
• Pulmonary toxicity: Herceptin can cause severe lung problems, including breathing difficulties and lung inflammation.
• Exacerbation of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia: Herceptin can increase the risk of low white blood cell counts and infections when used with chemotherapy.
• Severe cardiac events: Herceptin may lead to severe heart problems, including sudden death or heart failure.
• Interactions with anthracyclines: Herceptin increases the risk of heart problems when combined with certain chemotherapy drugs.
• Severe hypersensitivity reactions: Herceptin can cause severe allergic reactions, including difficulty breathing and swelling.

Precautions

For female patients of reproductive potential, the healthcare provider will conduct a pregnancy test prior to initiating this treatment. Inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or you became pregnant within seven months of completing Trastuzumab treatment course. Discuss effective contraceptive methods to use during treatment and for 7 months following the last dose of Trastuzumab Injection.

Side Effects

Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Although all drugs can cause side effects, not everyone experiences them.

Common side effects of Trastuzumab are:

• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Infusion reactions (e.g., chills, fever, pain)
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Neutropenia (Low white blood cells)
• Anaemia (Low red blood cells)
• Rash
• Infections

Serious side effects of Trastuzumab are:

• Cardiomyopathy (Heart dysfunction)
• Congestive heart failure (CHF)
• Severe infusion reactions (e.g., difficulty breathing, low blood pressure)
• Pulmonary toxicity (Lung issues)
• Severe allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis)
• Embryo-fetal toxicity (Harm to the fetus)
• Severe infections (e.g., febrile neutropenia, pneumonia)
• Lung problems (e.g., interstitial pneumonitis)
• Blood cell disorders (e.g., thrombocytopenia, leukopenia)

Word Of Advice

Trastuzumab can make you feel tired and dizzy, so you should avoid driving or handling machines. Apply cool compress to avoid injection site reactions. 

Frequently Asked Question

• Is Trastuzumab Injection used alone in the treatment of cancer?
• Trastuzumab Injection is indicated to treat breast and stomach cancer caused by the mutation of HER2 receptors. While it is mostly prescribed with other chemotherapeutic agents, it is also prescribed as a monotherapy.

• Is it safe to use Trastuzumab Injection during pregnancy?
• While for women with reproductive potential subjected to Trastuzumab Injection, it is advised to discuss with your doctor regarding the effective birth control methods during the treatment. Also, to be continued for a minimum of 6 months after the treatment course completion as this medicine may impair fertility. 

• What should you avoid during trastuzumab injection treatment?
• It is advisable to avoid anthracycline during and up to seven months after the last dose of trastuzumab injection.

• Do the side effects of Trastuzumab Injection last for a chronic period? 
• All the side effects that are relatively caused by Trastuzumab Injection occur until the drug concentration stays in the body. It is found that this medicine will be contained in our body for almost 7 months after the final dose. 

•  How is Trastuzumab Injection administered?
• Trastuzumab Injection is given intravenously through infusion and the amount of drug will be measured based on the patient’s body weight, height and age.  The first dose will be administered for 90 minutes and if well tolerated the infusion time can be reduced to 30 minutes.

• Does Trastuzumab Injection have a black box warning?
• Trastuzumab injection can result in heart failure presenting as congestive cardiac failure and decreasing LVEF, especially when taken with anthracyclines. It is important to constantly monitor your heart health during this treatment up to 7 months after the last dose.

• Why is Trastuzumab Injection prescribed only for a year?
• Trastuzumab injection is prescribed for only a year due to its impact on the heart.